Tag Archive: Michelle Obama

At this point, you’re sure to have seen the exquisite portraits of the Obamas unveiled today at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. Like the Obamas’ place in history, the portraits represent a vibrant, exhilarating departure from a largely…Read more

I was happy enough to criticize Barack Obama when his presidency disappointed me, or in the times he failed to live up to the delicious promise of hope and change. But even after watching Michelle Obama own the Democratic National…Read more

I saw many amazing and inspiring things as a member of the New Jersey delegation in Charlotte, but there were two things that truly stood out.

The first was when Gabrielle Giffords walked on stage to do the pledge of allegiance. It may not have been shown on TV and in prime time, but to me, that was just pretty unbelievable to be there to witness. But I didn’t really have a personal tie to that, so it was more inspiring than moving for me.

The second dealt with a woman I have had the opportunity to work closely with when I was the Director of Communications in Cherry Hill, Councilwoman Melinda Kane. Melinda’s life experience brought her to office, becoming an advocate for veterans and military families after her son Jeremy, a Marine serving in Afghanistan, made the ultimate sacrifice.

I have visited the park they dedicated in Jeremy’s honor in Cherry Hill and participated in the benefit run that they hold with Rutgers Camden and Veterans for Education each year. But in Charlotte, it was much more. I talked with Melinda as she prepared to sit with Michelle Obama for the Wednesday evening events. I spoke with her after she was recorded reading a poem about Jeremy for the Veterans tribute video. And then I watched as this Gold Star Mother shed tears of both pride and sadness, comforted by Assemblyman Lou Greenwald during the Veterans ceremony when they showed the video and honored the sacrifice of her son. That was my most moving experience in Charlotte and I just wanted to share a little bit of it with you. I was proud to be there with her. You can see this video with Melinda talking about her experience in Charlotte with MSNBC:

Certain bloggers and governors could benefit from the kind of public commitment to lose weight, eat healthier and get fit that Mayor Cory Booker is conducting since he hit his all-time high weight of 295 lbs. on Christmas Day, a month after Michelle Obama came to Newark to talk farmer’s markets, dance classes and low-fat school lunches at the city’s Maple Avenue School.

Booker’s getting a lot of attention with this hashtag: #letsmove, which has turned into a kind of national daily pep-talk for thousands of people. Let’s Move is the name of FLOTUS’ campaign for healthy eating & fitness; Booker is her overweight national co-Chair.

I’m sure that many of you have been closely watching the 2008 Democratic National Convention. And while it would be great to be out in Denver celebrating with New Jersey’s delegation, instead – with just a little over 2 months to go until Election Day – the real action is in the 7th District.

So this week, I hope you join fellow Democrats not only excited for our campaign, but also for this historic Democratic Convention. I want to make sure you know there are many house parties all across the 7th District where you can watch Barack Obama’s acceptance speech alongside fellow supporters. You can find which party is closest to you here.

Last night, like many of you, I got excited while watching Michelle Obama deliver her speech. Her story is a quintessential American story. Like so many of us, Michelle Obama knows all too well the challenges of balancing work and family. She is a mother, a daughter, a public servant and a lawyer. And in a few short months, she will be an amazing First Lady. Last night, when Michelle talked about how she and Barack believe that “America should be a place where you can make it if you try,” I couldn’t help but nod in agreement. It’s a value I will fight for in Congress.

I also want to note that today is not only the second day of the convention, but it’s also Women’s Equality Day. While women have made great strides in terms of political participation, oddly enough, we are lagging far behind here in New Jersey – despite the fact that there are approximately 4.3 million women in our state. The stats here in New Jersey, while slowly increasing, remain dismal. I am proud to be one of 25 women in the state assembly. But, as most of you are well aware, currently there is not a single woman representing New Jersey’s families in our congressional delegation. With your help over these next few months, we will change all that!

I’d like to thank all of you for your continued support for our campaign for change. Grassroots and netroots backing has been vital to my campaign since 2006 and I am pleased to see so many people continuing to express an interest in our message of change all across the 7th district. This election marks an important time for Democrats – a real chance to move beyond the failed policies of the Bush Administration, and a time to lead us in a new direction. The past 8 years have been a miserable failure, and we need real change to get us back on the right track.

I look forward to joining a strengthened Democratic majority in Congress, where I will work with Barack Obama’s administration to bring the change we need. It?s time for leadership in Washington that will work hard to make America stronger, better and more prosperous. The future of our district, our state, and our country depends on it.

This really is an exciting week for Democrats. And it’s going to be an even more exciting two months leading up to Election Day. But we all know the real excitement will begin in January, when together we lead our country in a new direction.

On Thursday, when Barack Obama delivers his address, Democrats, Independents, and many Republicans, will all gather in support, because he offers real change. I’m ready to win and bring the change we need, and I know you are, too.

So, again, here are some great convention parties being held all across the 7th District. Please come out and join your fellow Democrats as our next president accepts the nomination in Denver! All parties begin at 8:00 PM.